The below post comes to us from IFBC17 sponsor and post-conference excursion host El Dorado County, whom you will be able to meet September 29 – October 1 at IFBC. And beginning July 31, 2017, 25 lucky bloggers can register to attend the exciting post-conference excursion detailed below.
And if you haven’t registered for the conference yet, please do so now. Prices increase July 1.
For those seeking to escape the status quo and quench their thirst for adventure, the bountiful backroads of El Dorado County are a welcome haven. Here you’ll find a perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, rich and colorful history, exciting outdoor opportunities and fun agricultural excursions year-round. Not to mention it’s one of California’s most exciting wine production and tasting destinations with the largest, most diverse selection of wine grapes in the world.
The area’s multifaceted terrain features hundreds of unique microclimates ranging in elevation from 476 feet to more than 10,800 feet, enabling the intrepid farmers and winemakers to provide a wide selection of products. Speaking of its people, the area is home to some of the most passionate entrepreneurs and connoisseurs you’ll meet, possessing an indomitable spirit that brings to mind the days of the Gold Rush when this region was a loose collection of rustic mining towns. Keen to explore new opportunities, the innovators of El Dorado County are committed to making this one of the world’s most desirable destinations for farm-fresh produce and amazing wine.
After all, as world-renowned wine critic Michael Broadbent said, “Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilized pleasures.”
Itinerary for the Post Conference Excursion – October 1, 2017:
9:00 a.m. – Depart for Skinner Vineyards, one of Wine & Spirits magazine’s “2016 Wineries to Watch.” Along the way, an El Dorado County guide will share additional details about the area’s history, agriculture and wine.
10:30 a.m. – While “drinking in” Skinner Vineyard’s stunning vista, participants will enjoy a catered Farm-to-Table Brunch prepared by Table Nectar, El Dorado County’s premier purveyor of locally sourced meals that are fresh, healthy, flavorful and good for the Earth. The meal will include tastings from various El Dorado County wineries, along with hard cider and sparkling wine pairings.
12:30 p.m. – Depart for downtown Placerville.
1:00 p.m. – Jody Franklin, Director of the El Dorado County Visitors Authority, leads a walking tour of Placerville’s historic downtown. Various stop-offs will introduce participants to delectable cheeses, an olive oil tasting and a locally-owned charcuterie, with local wine pairings at each stop.
2:30 p.m. – Depart for Boeger Winery, one of the area’s original wineries and a champion of so-called “underdog” varietals such as Barbera, Carignane, Refosco, Charbono and Anglianico.
3:00 p.m. – Finish this excursion with a culinary extravaganza at Boeger Winery featuring rare apple varieties paired with wines and ciders from the famous Apple Hill region, alongside hearty fare from The Butcher’s Kitchen. Chef Casey King will prepare dry-aged Prime Angus Beef Rib Eye roasted over a wood fire. During the presentation, Chef Casey will share insights on the aging process, selecting the best cuts and more.
5:30 p.m. – Following dessert and wine, as well as port and cigars, the group will depart for Sacramento full of great food, wine, and memories.
For more information and details about recreational activities in El Dorado County, peruse visiteldorado.com. For more information on the El Dorado Winery Association and its members, visit eldoradowines.org.